Interview with @jj_editor_darcadi

Say hello to one of my generation of @jj_editors! She is a hard worker and a killer photo finder. Please meet @jj_editor_darcadi! She is a gem, like Kris @3reesespieces or Rosa @rosajulia she wrote out her interview for me

So take it away, Danielle!

Hello friends! My name is Danielle, but most people call me Dannie. I was born in Las Vegas, NV (also known as “Loss Wages”) to a family in the Casino life. My father has worked in the surveillance industry for years for almost every casino out there. He started with the Tropicana where I remember being a young girl walking the Cat Walk over the stained glass to watch for people cheating. We would watch the ancient cameras over and over and manually rewind to watch card counters, etc. He would teach me tricks to look for. My grandfather worked for Siegfried and Roy as one of the lion tamers. My aunt was a Folies Bergere dancer and my uncle did the lighting for the magician Lance Burton. It was quite interesting growing up there. Then, I moved to Arizona where I now call home. I’m married to my best friend since 7th grade and we have 4 amazing children.

I’m a stay at home mama and I love every ounce of it. I didn’t always stay at home though. I was living life chaotically trying to work my way up the corporate ladder. I was working 60+ hours per week. It consumed me. Until one day, I was in a business meeting and received a phone call from my daughter’s school. My life would soon take on a different direction. My oldest daughter Brooke was diagnosed with Cancer (Osteosarcoma) and broke her femur in half. After 11 months of chemo, 3 major leg surgeries, and 2 different types of prosthetics, we were done. They replaced her femur, knee and part of her tibia/fibula with titanium.

That was 8 years ago this month. My baby girl is now 19 years old, in remission and thriving as a junior in college majoring in Biomedical Science. When she was diagnosed, I quit my job, had 3 more kids and remembered what was TRULY important in life. FAMILY. I started Intagram 3 years ago on a whim to see what all the fuss was about. I was amazed by all the communities and how kind & supportive everyone was. I’m inspired by so many. I’m extremely eclectic with my feed and love to find beauty in everything; from macro to abstract to b&w and flowers, the Arizona landscapes and most importantly, catching those amazing moments with my children.

Some random facts about me: I’m OBSESSED with Chicken Chimichangas and Chips and Salsa. I’m pretty sure I could eat it every single day if my waistline would allow it. I love clean sheets and clean them every other day just to keep the fresh scent. Movies on my DVR that I’ve seen 100+ times: “Pretty Woman”, “A Few Good Men”, “Top Gun”, “Overboard”, “Sixteen Candles”, “Inglourious Bastards”, “Independence Day” & “The Fugitive”.

My therapy besides photography is in the kitchen. I love to cook and dabble in different dishes. I won a local competition on a cooking show and it was so inspiring for me to keep learning more.

Lastly, I’m a die hard American FOOTBALL fan. The Arizona Cardinals are my favorite team. All of my family and friends know that during football season, Sunday’s are off limits as its dedicated to the Pig Skin.

Thank you for letting me share these things about me. I absolutely love being a part of the JJ community and seeing the “create to connect” truly work everyday.

Thank you Danielle for all your support and that you can count on me. Be sure to drop by her personal account @darcadi and say hello.